Lycian way, the long distance

Itinerary

• DAY 1

  Arrival Antalya

  Meet at the Antalya airport with Demavend Travels representative and drive to the hotel located in the old city centre, known as Kaleici. It is uncertain when the site of the current city was first inhabited. Attalos II, king of Pergamon, was believed to have founded the city around 150 BC, but excavations have uncovered remains dating to the 3^rd century BC, suggesting that the city was founded earlier than previously supposed. The city grew and prospered during the ancient roman period and today includes sites with traces of Lycian, Pamphylian, Hellenistic -but mainly Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman-architecture and cultures.                  

  Transfer time: 20 min.; transfer distance: 15 km (Antalya airport - Antalya Kaleici)

  ON: in Antalya city centre at the hotel

  Meals: - / - / D

• DAY 2

  Antalya to Kayakoy (Karmilassos) and Oludeniz beach

  In the morning we leave Antalya and drive to Kayakoy, originally named “Karmilassos”; described by the UNESCO as a world friendship and peace village.

  Here we start our first walk and climb up to the ruins of the old Greek village given up at the end of the World War I. Today this timeless place, set in a lush valley surrounded by forests and with some vineyards nearby, is known as a kind of ghost town. We will walk through its empty streets, along its ruined stone houses and take time to visit one of its admirable churches, whilst enjoying the village’s air of mystery and surreal atmosphere.

  Afterwards a forest path, with splendid panoramic views to the limpid turquoise water splits, leads us directly down to Oludeniz lagoon, one of the most photographed beaches on the Mediterranean. The amazing lagoon with its secluded sandy bay is a national nature reserve and building is strictly prohibited. Famous for its shades of turquoise and aquamarine, Oludeniz is an official blue flag beach and frequently rated among the top five beaches in the world by travellers and tourism journals alike. In the late afternoon, after spending some time at leisure at the beach, we return to our overnight accommodation in Fethiye.

  Walking time: 3 h; walking distance: 6 km; ascent: 200m; descent: 300m

  Transfer time: 3 h; transfer distance: 200 km; (Antalya – Fethiye)

  ON: in Fethiye at the hotel

  Meals: B / L / D

• DAY 3

  Ovacik to Faralya village via Kozagac & Kirme

  After breakfast a short transfer permits us to the trailhead point nearby Ovacik village. From the south foot of Babadag Mountain (1.969m) we start our walk along the coastal side and follow a small path with a beautiful panoramic view over the deep blue bay of Oludeniz. Our walk takes us along sheep camps to some small and authentic villages of the Mediterranean area. Over stabilized gravel roads we pass small Kozagac village and continue our walk to Kirme, where we pick up a small walking path again leading us to beautiful Faralya village, where we spend the night at a nice family run pension.

  Walking time: 4 h; walking distance: 12 km; ascent/descent: 520m

  ON: in Faralya village at the pension

  Meals: B / L / D

• DAY 4

  Faralya to Kabak via Uzunyurt village & Butterfly valley panorama

  After breakfast we start our walk  near Faralya village where we enter into a small walking path which takes us, after a small climb, to a magnificent panoramic view over Butterfly valley, a large canyon considered to be one of the most picturesque and amazing places along the Lycian coast. On small paths we continue or walk whilst enjoying the beautiful views to the coast and bays around. In the afternoon we reach Yuva beach where we take time for lunch and to spend time at the beach. Afterwards we continue to Kabak village where our vehicle is awaiting us to drive us back to Faralya where we spend the night.

  Walking time: 4 h; walking distance: 8 km; ascent: 400m; descent: 440m

  Transfer time: 15 - 20 min.; transfer distance: 7 km; (Kabak village – Faralya)

  ON: in Faralya village at the pension

  Meals: B / L / D

• DAY 5

  Gulf of Fethiye boat tour (with Turkish Gulet)

  In the morning we leave the harbour of Fethiye and continue to Kizilada (Red Island), a well-known and popular destination for sailing boats, where it is possible to swim and to relax next to the Island and its turquoise waters.

  Afterwards we sail towards north/west direction where we pass the small Tavsancik and Katrancik Islands, superb places for swimming and relaxing. We also take time to visit the region of Gocek, nestled in a wild-romantic landscape with a crystal-clear sea, beautiful anchorages, many small islands and secluded bays.

  We will have Lunch on our boat, take time for relaxing and swimming, before we continue to Yassica Islands, known for its turquoise bays, crystal clear water and small sandy beaches. Here we take the time to swim and relax before return to Fethiye harbour, where it is possible to visit one of the idyllic cafes along the marina to taste cup of Turkish coffee.

  We spend the night in Fethiye at the hotel.

  Boat tour in the gulf of Fethiye: approximately 4 h / with lunch on the boat              

  ON: in Fethiye at the hotel

  Meals: B / L / D

• DAY 6

  Via Yakabag village to ancient ruins of Pinara & Minare village - drive to Kas

  In the morning we start our hike close to Yakabag village and follow a pathway up to hills, where peasants and their families inhabit isolate houses. Afterwards we continue from here to the remains of Pinara, an old Lycian city, created by colonists from Xanthos, which was at that time over-populated. Between two steep sides’ valleys the acropolis draws up, on the northern face, with a natural section of wall, you will see an extraordinary accumulation of rupestral tombs. We walk in an imposing mountainous decoration, between the necropolis, the Greek theatre, the Roman bath, the agora, the public place and the church. 

  In the afternoon we drive via Minare village to Kas, a small fishing, yachting and tourist town; a quiet pleasant place with its blue sea and narrow streets scented with jasmine flowers and with plenty of little quiet cafes to relax.    

  Walking time: 4 h; walking distance: 8 km; ascent: 390m; descent: 280m        

  Transfer time: 50 min.; transfer distance: 45 km; (Fethiye – Yakabag village)

  Transfer time: 2 h; transfer distance: 110 km; (Minare village – Kas)

  ON: in Kas at the hotel

  Meals: B / L / D

• DAY 7

  Delikkemer to ancient Patara

  A short transfer takes us to the starting point of our todays walk above Firnaz bay; we first walk on a rocky path until we reach an aqueduct from Roman times. With beautiful views to the bay in front of us, we follow a path parallel with the aqueduct and a very gently ascend.

  Later via gravel paths and stabilized roads, through olive trees and pine forests we reach Patara, a flourishing maritime and commercial city on the south-west coast of Lycia on the Mediterranean coast. Possessing a natural harbour, Patara was said to have been founded by Patarus, a son of Apollo. Ancient writers mentioned Patara as one of the principal cities of Lycia; it was Lycia's primary seaport and a leading city of the Lycian league.

  Over a cobbled road we also walk to the sandy beach of Patara. With its gorgeous landscape, unspoilt Patara is one of Turkey’s longest beaches. As part of a national park, it is a key biodiversity area, rich in birdlife and the breeding ground of the endangered loggerhead turtle (caretta caretta). In the late afternoon we drive back to Kas where we spend the night.

  Walking time: 4 - 5 h; walking distance: 12 km; ascent: 100m; descent: 300m

  Transfer time: 30 - 40 min.; transfer distance: 45 km (Patara – Kas)

  ON: in Kas at the hotel

  Meals: B / L / D

• DAY 8

  Via Saribelen to Gokceoren

  In the morning we drive to the village of Saribelen where we start our walk following the Lycian way. We first follow a stabilised road and after a short while, we reach a very nice gravel path with characteristic white stones. The path leads us towards Teknedagi Mountains; after crossing a green valley we continue our walk in a fairy tale landscape between big rocks, big caves and hidden bird nests. We cross a second plateau and a beautiful path leads us up to a fantastic view point over the sea where we take time to enjoy the view over the islands of Meis, Fener and Kilise. Afterwards we walk down through a beautiful valley until we reach another great viewpoint over the sea. We pass the remains of an old roman village and walk down a rocky path and reach the village of Gokceoren where our vehicle awaits us. Afterwards we drive back to Kas where we spend the night at the hotel.  

  Walking time: 4 h; walking distance: 9 km; ascent: 300m; descent: 200m

  Transfer time: 40 min.; transfer distance: 25 km (Kas to Saribelen)

  ON: in Kas at the hotel

  Meals: B / L / D

• DAY 9

  Kapakli village to Simena castle

  We start our walk in Kapakli village with a beautiful view over the bay and the sea. We walk gently down over a gravel road until we reach the small primary school of the village. From here we continue our hike and enjoy the beautiful view to the bay down below.

  Over a green pasture we reach the sign that shows us the direction of Ucagiz. We follow a sandy path with rocks and walk between olive trees until we cross another green plain. Afterwards we enter a rocky path and continue our hike through green grass plains and between olive trees until we reach the remains of a historic olive factory from the Ottoman times and the bay of Gokkaya ya. Here we will take time to have lunch and to swim, if the weather conditions allow. After lunch we gently go up on a rocky path with a nice view over the bay and continue walking next to the turquoise sea and the small islands in the bay, which seem very close now.

  After reaching a green plain we can see the castle of Simena at the horizon. After reaching the coastal village we take time to visit the castle itself, built by the Byzantines in the middle ages to fight the pirates who nested in Kekova.

  Simena contains a small theatre and numerous rock tombs. The castle offers beautiful views to the village of Kalekoy (castle village) down below, some of the old houses were completely submerged due to earthquakes during the Byzantine period and you can see remains down to 2m deep, in the bluish light on the seabed. In the late afternoon we drive back to Kas where we spend the night at the hotel.

  Walking time: 4 h; walking distance: 8 km; ascent: 10m; descent: 50m

  Transfer time: 40 min.; transfer distance: 35 km (Kas to Kapakli village)

  ON: in Kas at the hotel

  Meals: B / L / D

• DAY 10

  Via Bayindir village to the ancient remains of Apollonia

  After breakfast we drive to the starting point of today’s walk above the village of Bayindir. We first walk on a broad gravel road and later continue down with a view over the bay, the hills and woods in front of us. In the valley on our right, we will see the old Greek town of Ufak Dere and further away we the island of Meis. Via small paths and broad gravel roads, along thyme bushes, olive and laurel trees, through a pine forest and at the end parallel to the sea we reach the bay of Gemiler where we can have lunch and enjoy a swim. Over a straight broad gravel path we reach the point where our minibus awaits us to drive us to the ancient remains of Apollonia. The city is not mentioned by any ancient author but the pillar tombs in the necropolis to the north of the city attest to a Lycian origin of the settlement. The ruins of a Byzantine church possibly date to the 6^th or 7^th century AD, so the city was still occupied at that time. In the late afternoon/early evening we drive back to Kas where we spend the night at the hotel.

  Walking time: 5 h; walking distance: 10 km; ascent: 275m; descent: 160m

  Transfer time: 10 min.; transfer distance: 10 km (Kas - Bayindir)

  Transfer time: 30 min.; transfer distance: 25 km (Bogazcik/Apollonia – Kas)

  ON: in Kas at the hotel

  Meals: B / L / D

• DAY 11

  Ucagiz/Kekova tour by boat with sunken city & Tersane Island - drive via ancient Myra to Adrasan

  Kekova area is a great place for the coastal scenery as well as for the archaeological sites well preserved because they are not easily accessible. A pleasant excursion by boat is the best way to see the ruins on the northern coast of Kekova island, some of the old houses were completely submerged due to earthquakes during the Byzantine period. By boat, we go round the island, where you can see remains down to 2 meters deep, in the bluish light on the seabed. 

  You will fully appreciate this day with a stroll on the Tersane Island.

  On our way to Adrasan we also visit Myra; according to Strabo one of the largest towns of the Lycian alliance; the ancient city consist an impressive necropolis including tombs of rulers and family members and a large Roman amphitheatre.

  In the late afternoon we arrive back in Adrasan, a pleasant small settlement with a two km long sand beach; an attractive choice for those who like to have a swim in the sea.

  Ucagiz/Kekova tour by boat: approximately 3 h                                                                 

  Transfer time: 1 - 2 h; transfer distance: 115 km (Kas – Adrasan via Ucagiz/Kekova & Myra ancient city)

  ON: in Adrasan at the hotel

  Meals: B / L / D

• DAY 12

  Adrasan to Karaöz via Gelidonya lighthouse

  A simply superb day of coastal walking awaits us, as we begin today’s hike from our accommodation climbing steadily to a pass at 470 metres. Then dropping down closer to the sea’s edge, the route twists and turns amongst limestone crags, sometimes under pine trees and sometimes on the cliff edge. There are views down to hidden coves and across to desert islands. This is a beautiful walk contouring the range of hills which forms the backbone of Gelidonya. We climb again to arrive on a rocky ridge crest overlooking the peninsula of cape Gelidonya with its two lighthouses. Descending a stony path to the upper of these we then follow a wide trail down through pine forest to our waiting vehicle and drive back to Adrasan where we spend the night.

  Walking time: 5 - 6 h; walking distance: 18 km; ascent: 400m; descent: 400m

  Transfer time: 20 min.; transfer distance: 14 km (Gelidonya/Karaöz – Adrasan)                                                        

  ON: in Adrasan at the hotel

  Meals: B / L / D

• DAY 13

  Cirali to Ulupinar via Flames of the Chimaira - drive to Antalya

  Today’s walk takes us through a beautiful pine forest with nice streams, rivers and viewpoints. There is a short transfer to the starting point in Cirali, where we pick up the Lycian way and continue to follow the trail north. We climb up to a small hill and follow the walking path to the flames of Chimaira, called in Turkish Yanartas (flaming rock). The spot consists of some two dozen vents in the ground, grouped in two patches on the hillside. The vents emit methane thought to be of metamorphic origin. In ancient times sailors could navigate by the flames.

  After following the stream for a while, we arrive in Ulupinar village where our vehicle is already waiting for us.

  In the late afternoon we arrive in Antalya where it is possible to walk through the old city centre (Kaleici); with its narrow cobbled streets of historic Ottoman era houses; with streets and buildings still bear the marks of Antalya’s history. The old city centre has been restored to retain much of its historical character; most famous the Hadrian’s gate, the clock tower, Yivli Minare and Hidirlik tower.

  Walking time: 3 - 4 h; walking distance: 9 km; ascent: 330m; descent: 190m;

  Transfer time: 1 - 2 h; transfer distance: 80 km (Ulupinar – Antalya)

  ON: in Antalya city centre at the hotel

  Meals: B / L / D

• DAY 14

  Trip concludes at Antalya airport

  After breakfast; transfer to Antalya airport where the trip concludes.                                                                                        

  Transfer time: 20 min.; transfer distance: 15 km (Antalya Kaleici – Antalya airport)

  Meals: B / - / -